Papua New Guinea Defence Force Headquarters has refuted media reports stating figures published in relation to internal investigations into its recruitment. The report was attributed to the Deputy Chief of Defence Force Brigadier General Opa Lari.
Chief of Defence force Rear Admiral Philip Polewara said the recent reports regarding over age recruitment is false.
“The report published on Wednesday 1st April 2026, saying 100 recruits at Goldie River Training Deport exceeded the 25- year age limit is false and misleading”, Polewara said.
He said the deputy chief of defence force on no occasion made such statement.
The investigation into this, is still in progress and once completed, a report will be presented to the Defence Council.
“I appeal to the media to be responsible in reporting on the matter and confirm information before publishing”, Polewara stated.
“PNGDF recruitment is an issue of national interest, therefore it is important that the media communicate factual and truthful information to our people”.
PNGDF have been rolling several system reforms where they have cleaned out their payroll and moved back to Murray Barracks.
Furthermore, PNGDF have begun an audit of their maritime element and now moved to online based selections for their recruitment.
“Issues with recruitment, particularly, are legacy issues. Incidences of bribery and Wantok System among others have been ongoing”.
Rear Admiral Polewara clarified, the move to online based selection was to address those issues.
He said, individuals found to have interfered without authority with recent recruitment will face disciplinary actions.
CDF Polewara emphasized that the integrity of the institution is important and any breach of trust will be addressed seriously.
